(Newser)
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Not long ago, the exurbs were were among the fastest-growing parts of the country, drawing people seeking to own affordable homes on sizable pieces of property. But after waves of foreclosures and soaring unemployment, more and more people are turning to renting. Renting keeps landlords afloat, but it also drives down property values and kills community stability, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Property values have declined more in exurbs than in cities or suburbs; many recently developed communities are turning into rental zones, which some experts see as the first step on the way to becoming low-cost housing. They predict the same urban decay that plagued cities in the postwar period, as more and more affluent people moved to the suburbs.

Somewhat of a big deal in the Chicagoland area. I saw many of my friends run to the 'burbs because you could get more for your money. But compared to THEE biggest city in the region, the 'burbs are nothing but corporate parks, shopping malls, and car dealerships. So much culture and activity in the city -Memorial Day to Labor Day there's so much to do (for free) in Chicago- it shows how devoid of the 'burbs usually are.